Warriors Player Suffers Injury vs. Orlando Magic

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Joey Linn | Last updated Jan 3, 2024 12:28 AM ET

Having just returned from a calf injury that sidelined him for 13 games, Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has suffered another injury. Heading back to the locker room late in Tuesday night's game vs. the Orlando Magic, Payton seemingly suffered a leg injury, and it has since been announced by the team that Payton suffered a left hamstring strain.

Gary Payton II (Left hamstring strain) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 3, 2024

While this is a big blow for the Warriors, it's even more difficult for Payton, who has struggled to stay on the floor the last two seasons. Having played just 15 games this season, Payton played just 22 all of last season. This came after an incredible 2021-22 campaign, in which Payton appeared in 71 regular season games and 12 postseason games, solidifying himself as a high-level role player in the NBA.

That season earned Payton a payday with the Portland Trail Blazers, but he was soon dealt back to Golden State where he mostly rehabbed an injury before making a return, playing in 7 regular season games and 12 postseason games.

Hopefully this latest injury is not too serious for Payton, because the versatile guard has already been forced to miss a lot of time this season. The Warriors rely a lot on what Payton brings off their bench, and have missed him whenever he has been out this season.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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